View the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets
Operating and capital budgets support the strategic direction set by Council while maintaining current service delivery in the most cost effective manner.
Our budget process begins in the fall for the following year. We develop the budget on current operational requirements and various studies and policies such as the Roads Needs Study, Asset Management Plan, Bridge Study, and Action and Design Plans.
The budget has two components: operating and capital. Each component has two sections that present the budget information:
- The tax supported business units
- The user rate supported business units.
Operating Budget
The operating budget outlines the day-to-day activities and programs for our community.
The tax supported business units are general administration, policing, planning, building and assessment, protection to persons and property, fire services, transportation services, harbours, arenas, solid waste management, cemeteries, recreation and leisure services, parks, beach, community centres and libraries, drainage and economic development.
The user rate supported business units are water and wastewater. Separate budgets are prepared to ensure only the operational expenses associated with providing water distribution and wastewater collection are recovered from user fees and not taxation.
Capital Budget
The capital budget includes vehicle, equipment, facility, and infrastructure replacement. We use our asset management plan and assessment and risk information to create a 10 year capital projection. Replacement or upgrading of existing assets is typically funded from capital reserve funds. Staff also research for grants that may apply to the identified projects. Although there is a 10 year projection, the budget is approved only 1 year at a time.